10 adventures to pursue before summer fades

From one-on-one surf lessons to hosting a real New England-style clam bake, there are plenty of cool ways to spend a hot summer day — or night — right here in SouthCoast.

Lauren Daley

From one-on-one surf lessons to hosting a real New England-style clam bake, there are plenty of cool ways to spend a hot summer day — or night — right here in SouthCoast. Some adventures might be things you've always thought of doing but never found the time or energy. Others may be activities that look too challenging but really aren't that difficult — if you get a lesson first. So here are 10 great suggestions for things to try this summer. We challenge you to clip this out and check 'em off.

It looks intimidating, but just about anyone can standup paddleboard successfully on the first attempt. It's an adrenaline rush and a sense of peace — an experience unlike any other.

“Most people after one lesson are like, 'Wow, this is really easy,'” said Samantha Ladd, co-owner and instructor at Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures on the banks of the Westport River. “The thing about SUP that's made it as popular as it is, is it's as easy or as hard as you want to make it.”

The Westport River offers miles of still water through a tidal estuary that winds out to the Buzzards Bay coast — making it the perfect spot for beginners or for SUP-lovers looking for a relaxing ride.

“One of the things we offered last summer that everyone thought was pretty cool, was a Night SUP Trip, where we attached special LED lights to the boards to make them light up, and then toured the Westport, Sakonnet or Slocum River,” Ladd said.

Beginners lesson are offered every Saturday at high tide or upon request. Cost is $50. Small groups or one-on-one lessons can be scheduled. Call (508) 636-0300 or visit ospreyseakayak.com.

If you're a more experienced paddleboarder who wants to rent a board, you can do that, too — car straps included. Rental start at $35 for two hours. Osprey is located at 489 Old County Road, Westport.

This one is simple, free and fun for the whole family. Just pack a backpack with snacks and plenty of water, slap on the sunscreen and tick and bug repellent and head out into nature.

There are plenty of nature walks in and around SouthCoast. The Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust maintains a wealth of nature trails in Westport and Dartmouth. Visit dnrt.org or HikingCapeCod.com for maps and information. Also see the town-by-town listings of places to go on the SouthCoast Summer home page, www.southcoasttoday.com/summer2014.

There's just something majestic about horses.

If you've never been on a horse before, head to a guided pony trail, like Powderly Meadows in Lakeville. A trainer will help you with the basics in an open field.

You can then head out on a guided one-hour ride through the woods at a leisurely walking pace. You and your horse will trek through some 50 acres of picturesque pasture. Kids must be at least 10. Powderly is located at 50 Montgomery St., Lakeville. For more information or to schedule a ride, call (508) 923-0225 or visit powderlymeadows.com.

“We guarantee both safety and success,” said Hottel, owner and head surf instructor at Xtremely Board in Dartmouth.

“Most lessons are one hour. That exhausts a beginner and gives them enough information so if they want to try again, they're 1,000 times more familiar with the whole scene. Honestly, you only need one lesson to get familiar. Then you're hooked.”

Adults and children can sign up for lessons, which are given either at Horseneck Beach or Cherry and Webb Beach in Westport. To schedule a one-hour surf lesson, board included, for $60, call (508) 990-9876 or visit xtremelyboardshop.com.

Yes, it's intimidating to cook with seaweed. And yes, it's long, long process. But c'mon — you live on the New England coast. You are one of the few people in the world who can throw a true-blue New England clambake.

First, you'll need:• A sandy spot on a beach where fires are permitted• At least a car trunk-full of fire wood, plus kindling, old newspapers, a lighter or matches• About 30 grapefruit-sized rocks • Three or four trash bags to collect seaweed• At least one shovel to dig the cooking pit—two shovels if you want help• A tarp (not plastic) or canvas to cover the fire• A bucket for ocean water to put out the fire at the end of the night• Flashlights or headlamps to clean up Also: a colander, towels, tongs, knives, nutcrackers if you're cooking lobster and cheesecloth or tin foil.As for the ingredients, we suggest:• 3 or 4 pounds of pre-boiled potatoes (do that at home)• 6 pounds of littleneck clams (or steamers if you prefer)• 6 pounds mussels• 12 ears fresh corn• 12 small lobsters • A few pounds of chourico • 2 sticks butter, salt, pepper and lemon wedges for serving

Dig a 4-foot hole and build a fire in it. Add rocks to the fire a few a time. Let the fire heat up for at least an hour. While the rocks are heating, gather about 20 pounds of seaweed. Make about 10 cheesecloth bags of food. Peel back the husks of the corn but don't remove them.

Remove any remaining wood and dump half your seaweed over the rocks. Sprinkle with a bucket of seawater. Put all food in a single layer on top of the seaweed. Cover the food with the other half of seaweed. Cover with the tarp. Cook for about 45 minutes. Then remove the food, melt the butter and dig in.

Can't afford your own yacht? Take a party cruise. Boston Harbor Cruises offers private party packages, including your own vessel, captain and crew, waitstaff, menu, and of course, gorgeous sightseeing. Whether you want to take a booze cruise with friends, or go whale-watching out in Provincetown, being on your own private boat is just, well, awesome. For more information visit bostonharborcruises.com.

Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures (previously mentioned for standup paddle boarding) also offers a variety of kayak lessons — from the very basics of paddling on a river, to surf kayaking epic ocean waves.

“We have basic classes for folks who say, 'I just want to go out and not do anything stupid,' to more advanced classes, for kayakers who are really into it and want to be able to ride a wave or kayak out to Sakonnet Point,'” instructor Samantha Ladd said.

Call to sign up for a trip. Cost for a three-hour basic trip is $60.

Pick your own strawberries at Keith's Farm in Acushnet. When you get home, make your own pie, crisp or shortcake, or use as toppings on a bowl of cereal in the morning, ice cream at night, or eat 'em plain.

Oh, and while you're at the farm, grab some fresh veggies from the farmstand and top your own homemade pizza with anything your heart desires. Check out Nicholas Walecka's suggestions for pick-your-own farms at www.SouthCoastToday.com/Summer2014.

Nothing says summer like those stubby little pencils and tiny clubs. We suggest you head to Sand 'n' Surf Calamity Cave Golf in East Wareham for an awesome 18-hole course through waterfalls, caves, a lighthouse, a crashed airplane and beached boats in this par-42 adventure.

It's open from 11 a.m. to dusk. Play all day for $6.75, plus, there's ice cream. What more can you ask for?

The summer paradise that is Martha's Vineyard is only an hour away from New Bedford on the SeaStreak Ferry. Head to State Pier and Fisherman's Wharf off Route 18 in downtown New Bedford.

What to do when you're there? Maybe head to the beach. (See my story on SouthCoast's best beaches, at www.SouthCoastToday.com/Summer2014.) Or just rent a bike and explore. But remember that the island is bigger than you might think. Make sure you can make it back to the ferry dock before your ride departs.

Tickets are $70 for round trip per adult, and kids 12 and under are free (two per paying adult). For more information, visit www.seastreak.com/newbedschedules.aspx. For an extra $14 you can bring your bike for a day of exploration.